Law Talk #22: The Gamblers

America’s most beloved law professors (and host Troy Senik) return to the series of tubes. This week, they tackle diversity on the Supreme Court, gun control, the Alien Tort statute, and finish up with a discussion of online gaming — for entertainment purposes only of course. Please, no wagering. Also, which esteemed prize winning, lovably loquacious lawyer has never seen any of the Star Wars movies? You’ll have to listen in to find out.

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Good discussions on this podcast. Enjoyed this one. A couple things . . .

One point that wasn’t mentioned during the discussion on online gaming was the integrity of the games. I know the issue may not be a constitutional one but it is certainly a practical one that merits some words when online gaming, particularly poker, is the topic.

I support online poker being legal but I also know that there was quite a bit of cheating happening when it was popular. The “potripper” case for instance. True, there is an element of monopolization of the market going on by government but I think before online poker can be legal again the kinks have to be worked out. With hacking becoming more prevalent and sophisticated, running an online poker site isn’t as easy as setting up a card room with some tables and chairs. These hackers can get in and out without these sites even knowing it. I just would have liked John and Richard to mention this and point out that other issues besides monopolization and a nanny state mentality keep poker from coming back.

As for baseball, write it down: Tampa Bay Rays win the 2012 World Series.

Thanks for bringing up the Woollard vs. Sheridan case (The MD Conceal Carry case). I was actually planning to send Troy a message asking if he’d discuss the case with our esteemed law professors.

Even though the State of Maryland has decided to appeal the decision, I’m curious what influence the decision, if it stands, has on States like California, New York and other “May Issue” states, as well as States like Illinois that denies it altogether.